Stages of Labor

Watch this video to learn what to do when your water breaks, how to know the difference between "false labor" and real labor, and when you should call your doctor.

Labor, also called childbirth or giving birth, is the process by which the baby and the placenta leave the mother. This video, by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development, describes the three stages of labor: early labor, active labor, and delivery of the placenta and afterbirth.

Labor, or childbirth, has 3 stages. The first stage is the longest. It can last up to 20 hours, especially if you are having your first child.

Watch this video to learn what inducing labor means and the reasons your doctor may need to induce labor.

Watch this video to learn what fetal monitoring is and how the procedure is used during labor.